4WDs and SUVs of 2011

Buyers are flocking to SUVs in record numbers. More and more people are spending their Saturday mornings reading through the Drive section in search of their ideal family faux-wheel-drive. And, with at least twenty manufacturers set to offer SUVs in the A

The much-anticipated replacement for BMW?s first-generation X3 lands in March, initially offered with a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. That model will be known as the xDrive20d, and will kick off at $62,200.

It will be followed later in the year by a 190kW/310Nm 2.8-litre petrol version (X3 xDrive 28i ? priced at $71,900) and a 180kW/520Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel inline six (X3 xDrive30d - $74,900). X3s will only be available with the brand?s new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new X3 will be bigger and wider than the existing model, yet the more efficient engines and lighter weight materials mean all models will also be more fuel efficient.

Chinese car makers are looking to Australia as a significant right-hand-drive market for upcoming models, and one manufacturer that plans an aggressive start is Chery.

It has already flagged that it will bring three models to Australia, starting off with the front-wheel-drive RAV4-sized J11 SUV in the first quarter. Chery?s importers have told Drive that both automatic and manual versions will be available from launch, but no pricing has yet been announced

Ford

Australia?s only home-grown Territory SUV has been on the back foot in recent years, as buyers flocked to cheaper, diesel-powered rivals.

But the Ford fights back in April with the launch of a new model that includes for the first time a diesel variant.

The new 2.7-litre diesel, borrowed from former Ford subsidiary Land Rover (and also seen in Peugeots, Citroens and Jaguars), has the potential to make up more than 50 per cent of total Territory sales.

But the diesel is only part of the story. The SUV will get a new exterior design and an even more extensive revamp of its cabin, which has remained largely untouched since the Territory was first launched in 2004.

Engineers have also worked on the vehicle?s suspension and steering, while special attention is said to have been paid to noise, vibration and harshness suppression in the cabin. There are also whispers that the Territory could get an LPG version.

Great Wall Motors

It?s been a petrol-only start so far for Chinese car maker Great Wall, but the addition of diesel drivetrains and automatic gearboxes should help bolster sales after a strong introduction to the Australian market.

The X-series SUV is a spin-off of the Chinese brand?s dual-cab ute, and its due for some changes in 2011. There?ll be a minor facelift for all models, and a petrol-powered manual model will arrive in the second quarter, followed by a diesel variant offered with both automatic and manual transmissions in the third quarter.

Holden

Holden will offer an updated version of the Captiva SUV in March. The revised model will still use the same basic body but with suspension tweaks to better suit the SUV to Australia?s unique road conditions. Revamped styling will also feature.

More efficient versions of the current 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol and 2.2-litre turbo diesel will continue. The big news, though, is the fitment of the Commodore?s 190kW V6 engine, which will boost performance and efficiency for the flagship models.

Honda

While there has long been speculation over a front-wheel-drive CR-V model, Honda informed us that there?s a replacement CR-V coming in 2012, so it?s more likely to appear then.

A familiar 268kW/520Nm 5.7-litre ?HEMI? petrol V8 engine featuring cylinder-deactivation technology will carryover while a still-to-be-specified turbo diesel engine will arrive mid-year. Both petrol engines will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Other highlights include a new independent front and rear suspension mated to a stiffer body for improved on-road dynamics, the availability of height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension and an upgraded Selec-Terrain all-wheel drive system.

A ?world-class? interior design with premium soft-touch materials and increased rear-seat space are claimed to address criticism of the brand?s poor interiors. A blind-spot/rear cross-path detection system and adaptive cruise control are also available. Pricing is likely to start from around $60,000 plus on-road costs.

A facelifted Patriot will go on sale in April with an upgraded exterior and interior, plus improved chassis dynamics. The compact SUV will come with a new front and rear bumper treatment to mimic its top-selling Wrangler sibling while its interior will include higher-quality, soft-touch materials and seat fabrics.

The new model also receives tweaks to its suspension and steering systems to improve ride and handling. The Patriot opens the Jeep range and is currently priced from $29,990 (plus costs) for the 2.4-litre Sport.

The upgraded 2011 Wrangler off-roader will benefit from an all-new interior and subtle exterior facelift when it arrives around late February to early March.

While it?s no certainly for a local release, the SUV spin-off would go in to battle against rivals such as Mitsubishi?s Triton-based Challenger and Nissan?s Pathfinder (Navara-based).

Land Rover / Range Rover

Land Rover is upgrading its mid-size Freelander II from December and January with a new turbo diesel engine, a subtle exterior facelift and an improved interior.

The new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine will come in two power outputs ? the 110kW TD4 or 140kW SD4 model guises ? with both offering 420Nm of torque, 20Nm more than the outgoing model.

Fitted with a revised manual transmission, the Freelander TD4 now features start-stop that automatically shuts the engine down when idle in traffic to save fuel, which was previously exclusive to the entry TD4e model variant. The higher-output SD4 unit, meanwhile, is only available as a six-speed automatic.

The Freelander II range is priced from $44,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the manual-equipped TD4 to $65,854 for the range-topping SD4 HSE.

Aimed at younger buyers in an increasingly crowded premium SUV market segment, Land Rover will launch its most-affordable Range Rover, the Evoque, around September next year with a starting price a shade under $60,000 (plus costs).

The smallest, lightest, most-efficient Range Rover will be available in three- and five-door body styles; front- and all-wheel drive configurations and three engine choices including a range-topping, 177kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ?EcoBoost? petrol engine that will also power the Ford Falcon from next year.

A 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine will be available in 110kW and 140kW output guises, both featuring start-stop fuel-saving technology when fitted with a six-speed manual transmission. The other gearbox option will be a six-speed automatic.

Befitting of its premium price tag, the baby Rangie will compete against a growing premium compact SUV segment that includes the BMW X1 as well as Audi?s forthcoming Q3 and Porsche?s entry-level Cajun, due to be unveiled around 2014.

Available in three model trims, the Evoque will come standard with a leather interior, LED lights, metal and wood dash inserts and a raising gear selector, borrowed from Jaguar XF and XJ saloons.

Land Rover will introduce its range-topping Autobiography nameplate to the popular Range Rover Sport in January, featuring a selection of interior styling options.

The Autobiography Sport will be available with three luxury and three sporting interior themes to both TDV8 and Supercharged model variants, priced from $121,300 and $168,300 respectively (plus on-road and dealer costs).

Drip feeding in small numbers late in 2010 before an official January arrival, Range Rover?s updated Vogue will offer improved fuel efficiency from a larger diesel engine and new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Producing 230kW of power and 700Nm of torque, the Indian-owned company claims the new 4.4-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 has a combined fuel use of 9.4L/100km, representing an 18.5 per cent improvement. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been cut from 294g to 253g/km.

Like all 2011 Range Rover models, the Vogue also gains a revised Terrain Response system, which now includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Gradient Acceleration Control (GAC) modes.

The Range Rover Vogue TDV8 will be available in three model grades (Vogue, Luxury and Autobiography) and priced from $160,500, $184,200 and $212,500 respectively (plus on-road and dealer costs).

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes will add a third model to its large GL-Class SUV range with the GL450 CDI, powered by a 225kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V8.It?s expected to arrive early in the year.

Australia will be one of the first markets in the world outside Europe to get the tough G-Wagen five-seater when it arrives in the first quarter with two models.

The G350 Bluetec features a 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine and will retail from $159,900 (plus on-road and dealer costs). A G55 model fettled by the company?s performance arm, AMG, will be fitted with a 373kW/700Nm supercharged 5.5-litre V8 that will propel the two-tonne-plus SUV to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. It will kick off from $214,900 (plus costs).

Mini

The Countryman answers a question few had asked by adding all-wheel-drive mechanicals to the iconic Mini platform, but expect the pumped and buffed newcomer to win fans with its taller stance and more butch appearance.

Forming the basis for Mini?s first tilt at the World Rally Championship next year won?t hurt the model?s popularity, either.

Arriving early in the year, it?s expected to be offered with the same 1.6-litre engine - with and without turbocharging - that powers the rest of the Mini range.

Nissan

Nissan?s hardcore off-roader will get even more savage when the new Pathfinder ST-X 550 variant arrives in January.

The top-end offering in the Pathfinder range (to be priced from a hefty $75,990 plus costs) will be fitted with a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 producing 175kW of power and 550Nm of torque (hence the 550 naming), and will only be available with Nissan?s new seven-speed automatic transmission.

It?s bound to be packed with passenger-friendly features including a DVD player and nine-speaker Bose audio system.

X-Trail 2WD (SUV)

Yet another faux-wheel-drive will make it Down Under in the first quarter of the year when Nissan launches its two-wheel-drive X-Trail.

The base-model 2WD ST version is likely start under $30,000, and there will likely be a better equipped, more expensive version for those would like to take the kids to school in style.

The X-Trail 2WD model is likely to be offered with the Dualis-sourced 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a continuously variable transmission, while the weight savings involved with removing the all-wheel-drive components should also improve fuel economy.

Peugeot

Peugeot will offer a diesel-electric version of its wombat-like 3008 SUV, arriving Down Under between October and December.

To be known as the 3008 Hybrid4, it?ll be the French brand?s first hybrid model, and will come with a family-friendly price tag of around $42,990 (or just $2000 more than the 3008?s range-topping 2.0 HDi model).

As seen in other 3008 variants, the Hybrid4 uses a conventional 120kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine to power its front wheels, but adds a 27kW/200Nm electric motor situated under the load floor to drive the rear wheels. It will be mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox

Peugeot says its new hybrid hero will be one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road, consuming just 4.0L/100km and emitting only 99g/km of CO2. These figures come within striking distance of Australia?s most efficient car, the Ford Fiesta Econetic (3.7L/100km and 98g/km).

Renault

The car maker is also casting around its cheaper brand, Dacia, to see if there's anything that might help it find a cheaper way into some segments. The most likely candidate is the Duster, a compact soft-roader that will wear a Renault badge if it arrives here.

Saab

After flirting with extinction after a dismal year ? the car maker only just snagged double-digit sales figures in 2010 ? the new face of Saab will explode onto the Australian market in 2011 with two new SUV models.

Late January will mark the arrival of the 9-3X, a high-riding version of the current-model Saab 9-3 wagon featuring petrol and diesel engines, as well as the ability to run on E85 fuel.

We?ll need to wait until the end of the year to see the 9-4X, an all-wheel-drive SUV that made its debut in production form at November?s Los Angeles motor show.

Saab is now owned by Dutch supercar specialist Spyker after its split from former US parent General Motors, and the company is still in talks about how its Australian dealership network will shape up before the 9-3X?s arrival ? so expect some announcement on that front early in the year.

Skoda

The VW-owned Czech brand will be looking to improve its fortunes this year following a disappointing result in 2010. And it should do so, with the imminent release of its much lauded compact SUV, the Yeti.

Due to arrive mid-year, the chunky looking Yeti will likely be offered with turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual and dual-clutch self-shifting transmissions ? all of which will be sourced from VW-land. The five-seater, Tiguan-derived Yeti is likely to be offered in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive variants.

Like most Skodas, there?s a good chance the Yeti will offer VW-like build quality and exceptional levels of equipment, all while wearing a more wallet-friendly price tag ? the Yeti range is expected to start in the mid $30,000s.

It?ll offer all the necessary safety equipment (six airbags and stability control) as well as plenty of goodies inside. And, in a testament to its credentials, the Yeti recently took out UK automotive mag Auto Express?s car of the year award. Stay tuned for this one.

Skoda will also bring a new variant of its diesel powered Octavia-derived Scout SUV. The new Scout DSG (arriving in the first quarter) will be fitted with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and is likely to be priced at $41,990 plus costs ? a $2500 premium over the existing six-speed manual model (which is priced from $39,490).

Ssangyong

It may not be a brand synonymous with style, but Ssangyong?s all-new Korando C could do a lot to change the now-Indian owned Korean brand?s local fortunes.

The new Korando C (which was penned by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro) offers a new 129kW/360Nm turbo diesel engine, which boasts a claimed fuel consumption of around 6.0L/100km. The Korando C will be available in both manual and automatic, and front- or all-wheel-drive.

Competing against the likes of Kia?s award-winning Sportage and Hyundai?s ix35, the Korando C?s safety levels will be equivalent to that of the class leaders, with six airbags and stability control standard across all models.

Pricing won?t be confirmed until the car?s release in January, but if indicative UK pricing of ?17,500 is anything to go by, the new Korando C may slip under the $30,000 mark.

Subaru

Subaru will kick off the New Year with a bang when it releases a WRX-style version of its Forester SUV in February.

The Forester S-Edition will become the new range-topper in the soft-roader lineup, with its turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 193kW, just 2kW shy of the Impreza WRX, and 24kW more than the current turbocharged Forester XT.

The S-Edition, which should sell for a fraction under $50,000, also gets suspension tweaks to handle the extra power.

Enthusiasts will, however, bemoan the fact that the S-Edition will be available only with a five-speed automatic.

The XT will remain in a revamped line-up that gets a minor cosmetic makeover and an all-new 2.5-litre Boxer engine. Subaru says the new engine is up to 10 per cent more fuel efficient.

But don?t expect a big jump in performance. The company hasn?t released power outputs for the 2.5-litre engine, but the new 2.0-litre engine is slightly less powerful than the one it replaces.

Toyota

The funky FJ Cruiser off-roader is the next step in Toyota?s bid to broaden its appeal to younger buyers, following on from the introduction of the boxy Rukus small car this year.

The Hummer look-alike is likely to be pitched at about $40,000 when it arrives in March, roughly the same price as the company?s recently revised Kluger soft-roader, and beneath the Prado on which it is based.

The FJ Cruiser may share the same underpinnings as the Prado, but the two are poles apart in looks, with the Cruiser adopting a retro look - complete with white roof and eye-catching colours - inspired by the original LandCruiser FJ40.

The FJ gets the Prado?s 200kW 4.0-litre V6 and is expected to compete against similar style-focused SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler.

In the US, the FJ is offered in both two- and four-wheel-drive versions, but local models will be 4WD-only. And unlike the Prado, there will be no diesel version, as oil burners aren?t as popular as petrol vehicles in the FJ?s main market, the US.

Volkswagen

Another of Volkswagen?s family friendly offerings will be updated in 2011. The all-new Touareg SUV will be a shadow of its former self, with weight reductions of up to 200kg across the range.

The volume seller for Australia is bound to be the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel (currently the only model on sale in Oz) which comes mated exclusively to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 175kW/550Nm output of the new powerplant is sure to impress, as is its claimed fuel consumption of just 7.4L/100km. Aussie models will also get stop-start technology (which turns off the engine when you come to a halt), helping to keep the fuel consumption down.

There?ll also be V8 diesel variant, which replaces the current V10 model. Despite offering a colossal 800Nm of pulling power and 254kW, Volkswagen claims it will use less fuel than a Commodore, with a consumption figure of just 9.1L/100km.

It?s unclear at this stage whether VW will offer a petrol version of the Touareg locally, but the company has confirmed that it won?t be offering the most powerful version a 3.3-litre supercharged hybrid model (it was ruled out as it?s not as frugal as the diesels).

Volvo

Volvo?s popular mid-sized SUV, the XC60, will be even more affordable later in the year with the introduction of a four-cylinder turbo T5 variant that?s set to cost less than $50,000.

The sleeker shape of the new Touareg has more than just cosmetic benefits ? the new model gets a longer wheelbase, meaning more rear seat space and better road manners.

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